Soil Radar Moisture Meters TRIME PICO

The TRIME PICO series from IMKO (Germany) comprises high-precision TDR soil moisture sensors designed for both mobile and stationary applications. The series includes PICO 32, PICO 64, PICO IPH2 and PICO Profile. All models feature integrated TDR electronics, robust construction, Bluetooth control and real-time data visualisation via the free TRIME BLUE Android app on smartphones or tablets. The sensors are widely used in agriculture, research, hydrology and environmental monitoring.

Principle of Operation

TRIME PICO sensors operate using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) with a high-frequency electromagnetic pulse (up to 1 GHz). The pulse travels along the probe rods inserted into the soil. The propagation time of the reflected signal depends on the dielectric permittivity of the medium, which is primarily determined by water content. The sensor’s intelligent algorithm converts this time into accurate volumetric soil moisture (% vol.). The method is insensitive to soil salinity, temperature variations and compaction, and requires no material-specific recalibration.

Model and Specifications

PICO IPH2

• Temperature range: –15 °C … +50 °C

• Power supply: +7 V to +24 V DC

• Output signals / interfaces: RS485

• Protection class: IP20 (electronics housing)

• Special features: Designed for mobile measurements inside installation tubes (e.g., TECANAT tubes 0.25 m, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m); compatible with SM-USB converter, HD2 handheld display, PICO-BT wireless module (Bluetooth transmission to Android devices, integrated battery for ~1500 measurements), calibration kits

• Typical use: Fast spot checks in pre-installed access tubes

PICO Profile

• Temperature range: –15 °C … +50 °C (same as series)

• Power supply: +7 V to +24 V DC

• Interfaces: RS485 / IMP-Bus (same as series)

• Protection class: IP68 (sensor segments)

• Special features: Multi-depth profile sensor with several independent measurement zones along a single rod (typically 3–12 segments at 11 cm intervals); each segment measures moisture and optionally temperature; ideal for continuous soil water dynamics monitoring; Bluetooth connectivity and TRIME BLUE app support; installable in PVC access tubes or directly in soil

• Measurement volume per segment: ~1 litre

Main Application Areas

• Precision agriculture & greenhouse irrigation management

• Scientific soil research and hydrological studies

• Environmental monitoring and climate stations

• Water balance and drought monitoring

• Profile measurements of soil moisture distribution over depth

• Validation of remote sensing and hydrological models

• Mobile field campaigns using access tubes (IPH2) or permanent profile installations (Profile)

Advantages of TRIME PICO Radar Soil Moisture Meters

• Extremely high measurement accuracy and repeatability (±0.5–2 % vol. depending on soil type)

• Completely insensitive to salinity and temperature fluctuations

• No recalibration required for most soils

• Bluetooth control and instant visualisation via free Android app

• Rugged design (IP68 for buried parts) for long-term field use

• Large measurement volume (~1–3 litres) provides representative average values

• Multi-depth capability (PICO Profile) in a single installation

• Low power consumption, suitable for solar-powered stations

• Wide range of accessories (access tubes, Bluetooth modules, data loggers, converters)

• Fast, non-destructive measurement ideal for both research and operational use